I graduated nursing school in PA in June 2015. Took the nclex for the first time in August 2015. Got 208 questions. Truth be told I didn't prepare a much as I should have the first time around. I thought "I just graduated, I know what I need to to pass." WRONG! I paid for my quick results two days later and found out I failed. I was upset but not necessarily surprised. I felt like I was no longer thinking critically by the end of the test, I had been in the test room for 4.5 hours and made the mistake of not taking breaks during that time. I feel like had I taken my breaks, I would have passed. I knew getting that many questions meant I was right on the pass/fail line the whole time.
I took a week off to get my head on straight and purchased the kaplan review for my second attempt. I went through that book twice and did all the chapter tests and the 265 question test at the end of the book. I scored between 70-75% on the chapter tests and about 65% on the end of book test. I made sure to really focus on the rationales regardless of whether I answered the question correctly or not. I also used prioritization delegation and assignment sparingly during this time. I took the test again October 2015. I walked in telling myself I was going to be in there for all 265 questions. I planned to take a break after 75 questions to clear my head. I didn't want a repeat of attempt #1. Well I got to question 75 after about 45 minutes. I I clicked to go to the next question and my screen shut off. Honestly I felt like I understood the questions and analyzed them appropriately before answering, so I walked out of the test center optimistic that I had passed. Much to my dismay, I found out two days later I had failed again. This time I was devastated, I felt like I was never going to pass the nclex and I had wasted two years of my life and $30k on nursing school. I couldn't understand how I got 200+ questions on my first attempt after barely studying and failed as miserably as I did on my second attempt. I couldn't even bring myself for look at anything nursing related for nearly 2 months. Eventually I had a "come to jesus" meeting with myself and realized that I was smart enough to pass nursing school, I am smart enough to pass this test. I have too much riding on becoming a nurse to give up now. I am determined to pass on this attempt, and am approaching it as if passing is my only option. I just feel differently than I did on my two previous attempts.
I am currently awaiting my att email so I can schedule my test. As it stands now, I am looking at retaking in about a month. For my study materials this time around, I purchased the 5 week ncsbn review course(which contains a ton of information, but I feel it's a good tool for me to brush up on all nursing topics, considering I've been out of school for 6 months). I also am utilizing the pda book more this time around, I'm doing roughly 50 questions a night and really focusing on the rationales. I also purchased the nclex mastery app and use it any time I have a few free minutes(breaks at work, while doing laundry, watching TV, etc.)
I am determined to succeed this time. I know I'll be a good nurse, I just need to get that piece of paper that says "RN." do any of you out there have any additional advice you'd be willing to share? Any suggestions are welcome, and I appreciate any input. Thanks!
